‘Even small children were killed while sleeping’: Women’s group on Manipur’s Tronglaobi blast

A women’s organisation, Imagi Meira, has strongly condemned the bomb blast at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Moirang that killed two children and left their mother injured, while questioning the Manipur government’s peace and reconciliation process.
 

In a statement, the group said the incident has raised serious concerns over the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the state. Following the blast, residents and members of various civil society organisations gathered at the site, expressing shock and anger over the attack.
 

Convenor of Imagi Meira, Thokchom Sujata, said the father of the victims is a Border Security Force personnel currently posted in Bihar. She termed it “deeply unfortunate” that his family members were targeted while he was serving the nation, alleging involvement of suspected Kuki militants in the attack.
 

Sujata also criticised the state government, stating that despite repeated assurances of peace by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, civilians, including children, continue to be victims of violence. “Even small children were killed while sleeping with their mother,” she said.
 

Meanwhile, the victims’ family broke down while recounting the incident, saying they had no words to express their anguish to the government. Grandfather of the deceased children, Babuton Oinam, said the attack occurred around 1 am while the family was asleep. “Both my grandchildren were killed in the attack, and my daughter-in-law sustained injuries and is currently in the ICU,” he said.
 

He added that his son is a BSF personnel posted in Bihar, while his daughter-in-law works in Guwahati. The family had come to the village for delivery and was planning to return in May, but was struck by the tragedy.
 

Oinam further pointed out that security forces are stationed not far from their village, raising concerns over how such an incident could occur.
 

The organisation demanded that the government provide clear information on how the incident occurred and identify those responsible. It also called for accountability and concrete measures to prevent such attacks in the future.